The Gisborne Singers cabaret style evening of lighter music has been a feature of our annual program since the days of Jane McGeorge. Many singers had always wanted to have a go at singing a solo and never had an opportunity. Thus the evening started as a chance for these folk to express their musical talents in front of a small, sympathetic audience of family and close friends. This evolved to include whole choir performance and for a larger range of music other than songs from the small groups. The choir put in ideas of pieces they would like to sing. It’s fascinating to see the range of talents that our choristers show which cannot be seen when the choir performs as a whole. The standard of presentations has improved over time which reflects three factors: first, proposals are now auditioned; second, performers are more self critical; and third perhaps rehearse more thoroughly. Of course the bean counters realised that this formula lent a chance to raise funds by increasing the size of the audience and charging for the privilege of witnessing our fine work! This is a big change on the original philosophy of the choir doing what they wanted. However our Christmas party is now a return to the original cabaret idea and gives opportunity for performance under less pressure.
The program developed into a night of many and varied items: solos, duets, small groups, instrumentals, even dance and recitations. It also became an opportunity for the choir to try a mixture of less formal choral pieces. An MC introduces and in some cases even provided an almost ‘stand up’ element to the proceedings. More recently amplification was seen as an impreovement considering the size and shape of the venue, especially for some of the quieter small group pieces.
For the last few years there have been five brackets: three by the choir and two by the soloists and small groups. This arrangement is repeated this year with the women preparing some pieces on their own, the men likewise, adding variety and interest.
Audience and performers arrive from 6.30pm for a 7 o’clock start and sit at large round tables of about ten. They bring and share food and drink during the night. 2018 promises much, there are still some places available – but hurry.
The program developed into a night of many and varied items: solos, duets, small groups, instrumentals, even dance and recitations. It also became an opportunity for the choir to try a mixture of less formal choral pieces. An MC introduces and in some cases even provided an almost ‘stand up’ element to the proceedings. More recently amplification was seen as an impreovement considering the size and shape of the venue, especially for some of the quieter small group pieces.
For the last few years there have been five brackets: three by the choir and two by the soloists and small groups. This arrangement is repeated this year with the women preparing some pieces on their own, the men likewise, adding variety and interest.
Audience and performers arrive from 6.30pm for a 7 o’clock start and sit at large round tables of about ten. They bring and share food and drink during the night. 2018 promises much, there are still some places available – but hurry.
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